2017 Calendar - Things to do, events, national days, world days - all for animals

There are events and things to do to help animals and support the efforts of animal charities throughout the year - and here's the 2017 Calendar. Even if you can't participate, find out what it's all about, see what you can do to help - and spread the word about it. We're adding new events all the time, so please come back and check with us soon! Dates for 2018 are to be confirmed

RUNNING OVER FROM NOVEMBER 2017

25 Nov - 3 Dec

National Tree WeekNational Tree Week is a great chance for communities to do something positive for their local treescape, and for people to get their hands dirty and plant some trees. Find out more

World Conservation DayWildlife Conservation Day promotes the conservation and protection of threatened species, specifically elephants, rhinos and tigers and raises awareness about the harmful security, economic and environmental effects of wildlife poaching and trafficking

International Mountain DayA day to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world’s mountains and highlands.

TBC

The Big Give Christmas Challenge, dates tbc for 2017A way for proactive philanthropists to support charities and projects of interest, and for charities to engage with donors new and old.

JANUARY 2018

27-29

Big Garden Birdwatch - RSPBSpend an hour watching and counting the birds in your garden or local green space & submit your findings to the RSPB. Registration opens on 13 December 2017.

World Wildlife DayCelebrate the beauty and variety of the millions of plants and animals that we share our planet and raise awareness of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime (amongst other things)

3-5

Great British Spring CleanLast year 250,000 people took part in the Great British Spring Clean. This year, volunteers will again do what they can to clear up litter. This will help make the countryside look better and keep wildlife safer - many animals think litter is something to eat or get caught in it or trapped in it. Find out more here

Tree Care CampaignFrom 21 March to 21 September, the Tree Council highlights the need for better care for all trees, in order to ensure their survival and increase the number reaching maturity.

22

World Water DayA chance for us to think about what safe water means to us and what it could mean to the millions of people living without it. I would add, and to the millions of animals suffering from a lack of water.

23-26

#MarchforGiantsThe march aims to raise awareness of the world's first campaign to link digital Billboards globally. It begins in Hong Kong on 23 March, progresses to Times Square in New York and then on to London Stratford and Birmingham before ending in Manchester. Get involved here

25

Earth HourStarting at 8:30pm local time, this lights off event seeks to raise awareness about climate change. It's on 25th March in 2017

RSPB WeekendHeld at the University of Nottingham, with talks, workshops and activities. Find out what the RSPB are doing to help nature and connect with fellow nature lovers, members and supporters. More info

22

Earth DayThe day aims to broaden, diversify and activate the environmental movement worldwide - take a look at their campaigns and take a look at highlights to see what's possible by individuals, organisations & governments

24

World Day for Animals in LaboratoriesA United Nations recognized day of international commemoration of the suffering and killing of millions of innocent sentient beings in laboratories throughout the world

25

World Penguin DayCelebrate all things penguin!

27

World Tapir DaySeeks to raise awareness about tapirs and to develop a community around tapir awareness and conservation

29

Save the Frogs DayEncourages the appreciation and celebration of amphibians by people from all walks of life

29

World Veterinary DayAims to highlight and promote the different facets of the work performed by veterinarians all over the world and to raise awreness of their contribution to improve animal health and welfare as well as public health. This year the theme is to Antimicrobial Resistance - From Awareness to Action. More info

World Oceans DayA day to celebrate and honor the ocean, which connects us all. Be a part of it!

11 TBC

#2minutebeachcleanJoin in and spend 2 minutes cleaning your local beach (or if you're a long way from a beach, why not just join in anyway and clean up the countryside?). Help rid the world’s beaches of marine litter and plastic pollution, two minutes at a time. Find out more here

Rabbit Awareness WeekTo improve rabbits' welfare - what could you do to improve your rabbit's wellbeing and life? What one hop could you take?

21

World Giraffe DayCelebrate the giraffe and see what you can do to help these wonderful animals

23

Bring Your Dog To Work DayThis annual nationwide raises money for charities dedicated to making a difference to the welfare of dogs - this year, All Dogs Matter and Animals Asia. And you don't need a dog to get involved! Find out more here

Big Canopy CampoutThis is in aid of the World Land Trust enables people to come together to celebrate and save forests, precious ecosystems. Help protect forests through adventure! All funds raised will go to World Land Trust to purchase and protect precious rainforest in Borneo, through the Saving Kinabatangan appeal

28 Jun - 2 Jul

Wildlife Artist of the Year ExhibitionThis is the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation's 10th Anniversary Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London. The 2017 shortlist will be exhibited for sale – with all proceeds supporting wildlife conservation. Find out more here

JULY 2018

1

National Meadows DayHeld to celebrate wildflower grasslands. Many people who went to events last year were surprised by the diversity of flora and fauna and the number of insects and reptiles in the meadows they visited. Find out more here.

1-15

Animals AsiaOnce, Delaney was used as a bile machine. He's now a happy bear because Animals Asia was saved by Animals Asia, and now he's living at a wonderful bear sanctuary, handing out with his friends, playing in the pool and enjoying good food every day. Donate to help Delaney and his bear friends, and until 15 July 2017 your donation will be matched up to £117,000! Go to Animals Asia here

3-9

Born Free Cat NapJoin in Born Free's Big Cat Nap and help raise funds and awareness of the plight of of big cats.

8

World Tea PartyHelp SPANA to provide more free veterinary treatment to working animals in developing countries across the world, including Morocco and Ethiopia by raising funds for the charity - host your own World Tea Party! More info

Love Parks WeekVisit your local park and take a photo to show how much you love and enjoy your local park. Be sure to share it on social media #loveparksweek. Show governments how much you love your local park - every bit of green space matters to people and animals. More info

World Lion DayThe campaign aims to highlight the plight of African and Asiatic lion whilst also demonstrating our shared global heritage of the species. The lion plays a significant role biologically, culturally, symbolically, economically and more. It is hoped that the recognition of the species’ worldwide importance will result in more active conservation worldwide also. More info

Birdfair"Saving Paradise in the Pacific" is this year's theme at the Birdwatcher's Glastonbury. Held at the Rutland Water Nature Reserve, this event is organised by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and the RSPB. It encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry and also raises funds to support global bird conseration. Since 1989, it's raised nearly £4.3 million supporting many important conservation projects.

International Snow Leopard & Ecosystem ForumIn 2013, leaders from the 12 snow leopard range countries pledged to secure at least 20 snow leopard landscapes of Asia by the year 2020. They are all meeting in August at the International Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Forum. Please sign Care2.com's petition urging them to make concrete pledges to make this happen. Click here to sign

International Primate DayWorldwide, an estimated 200,000 primates are experimented on each year. September 1st marks International Primate Day and your help is needed more than ever to end primate tests. More info

FSC FridayThe Forest Stewardship Council's day to inform and educate people - including employees, students, groups and the general public - of the value of FSC and the vital role forests play in our lives. It is a chance to increase awareness and encourage people to look for the FSC logo and buy FSC certified products. Visit the FSC's website

Seed Gathering SeasonsThe Tree Council aims to inspire everyone, particularly school children and families, to gather seeds, fruits and nuts and grow the trees of the future

TBC

European Shark WeekEuropean Shark Week provides an opportunity for shark supporters across Europe to unite, raise awareness about shark conservation, take part in shark-related activities, and join campaigns aimed at securing the future health of shark populations.

1

World Vegetarian DayThis kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month - give being a veggie a go, if you haven't already!

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Will MonthDuring Will Month you can contact one of WWT's participating solicitors to make an appointment. They will draft your will or amendment (‘codicil’) to your existing will free of charge. All WWT ask is that you consider making a donation to WWT. Find out more

Orange for Orangutans DayThis is your chance to inject some orange into your life and do some fundraising & raise awareness for the Orangutan Foundation, e.g. wear something orange, have a bake sale at work of orange cakes etc